Memberships

Okay, if you’re a parent in Columbus, chances are you are a member of COSI and the Zoo. (And if not, you should be!) Being a member to these two places really can pay for itself in as little as two visits. If you’re like me, you don’t wake up thinking, “gee, how can I spend $40 today?” I wake up thinking, “What can we do today that will be fun – and FREE?” So a membership is not technically free, but after a few visits, it really is! Being a member eliminates the added dimension of figuring in cost to your daily outing. I’m probably preaching to the choir here, but just in case I’m not: It’s worth it.

So, let’s go beyond COSI and the Zoo. (Which are WONDERFUL and will no doubt get their own posts one day). I have recently realized (thanks to a wonderful staff person at the Columbus Museum of Art) that with young children, individual memberships are a cost effective option! Take for instance the art museum. A “Friend” membership is good for you plus one additional adult and children age 5 and under are free. This membership costs $60. A one time visit for one adult costs $14. If my husband and I go twice, the membership is pretty much paid for. If your kids are over 5, the “Household” membership is only $15 more – or just about the cost of one visit. Anyway…. with both of my children being under 5, the “Friend” membership became a no-brainer, especially with a Lego Exhibit underway!

Another museum where an individual membership is the way to go is the Ohio History Center. One adult entrance is $10. An “Basic Individual” membership is only $35 and it also gets in one unnamed guest! This is another case where children 5 and under are free.

I say take advantage of these individual memberships while your kids are young! And you’ll have somewhere to go in the dead of winter when cabin fever is raging!